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A Victorian house with gingerbread trim can be described as charming, romantic and excessive. Curbside appeal is an undeniable advantage of these picturesque homes. Intricately carved cornices, scrolled brackets and pierced balusters painted in eye-catching, contrasting colors give the home a fairytale-like appearance. Victorian style was never short on ornamentation and while the excess may have fallen out of fashion in the past, there are plenty of passionate admirers around today.

Patterns

One of the most challenging aspects of adding the lace-like trim to your home may be picking out the patterns. You’ll find many designs, with some being more common such as Fleur de Lis and waves. Much of the running trim has loops and swags that look just like fabric lace. Pierced balusters often feature geometric or abstract-shaped cutouts, and brackets can have sunbursts or elegant scrolls. You can even find tropical motifs inspired by historic Caribbean homes with designs such as pineapples and palm trees. The good thing is there is no right or wrong way to mix and match designs. The patterns you choose are a matter of personal taste.

Types of Trim

Starting at the top, the steeply pitched roof points that form gables can be embellished with gable trim or gable ornaments. Most gable ornaments are adjustable to fit all types of roof angles. Running trim can be added along all horizontal lines including eaves, window casings, between columns or inside door casings. Brackets can be combined with running trim or used on their own in the corners of windows, cased openings, shelf supports or at the top of porch posts. Corbels are larger, thicker versions of brackets and are used to support mantel shelves or heavy granite or marble countertops. Spandrels are a combination of running trim with fretwork and brackets. Fretwork spandrels can be used in porch areas and inside window and door casements. Railing systems on porches can have decorative sawn, pierced or turned balusters.

Trim Color

Gingerbread trim is designed to stand out from the rest of the house. Most trim is typically painted a bright, crisp white. However, contrasting colors are often added to certain parts of the trim, giving the gingerbread ornamentation a layered appearance. Multi-layered brackets can feature two to three colors. Monochromatic shades on gingerbread exteriors provide eye-catching contrast and charming curb appeal. No other style embraces the use of exterior color quite like Victorian homes.

Creative Uses for Gingerbread Trim

Gingerbread trim can be added inside the home for charming embellishments to furniture, shelving, entryways and other furnishings. A touch of gingerbread trim around a bookcase adds personality and charm. Running trim can be added to wall shelves. Fretwork spandrels can be made into window cornices with ledges on top for displaying figurines or collectibles. Brackets can be used in doorways or hallways. A porch railing section with sawn balusters can be installed along the bottom of a wall for an interesting spin on a chair rail. Embellish a doghouse, playhouse, boathouse, garage or shed with running trim. Gingerbread trim can be used to add ornamentation and character wherever it is desired.

About the Author

Michelle Radcliff owned a retail home furnishings business for eight years. Radcliff offers decorating advice on her blog, Home Decorating News, is a regular contributor on interior design at LoveToKnow.com and earned certification as an interior decorator from Penn Foster College in 2013.